At Harvard and MIT, The Genius meets the geniuses

GZA — a.k.a. “The Genius,’’ a.k.a. Gary Grice, founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan — was in town this week to lecture at the Harvard University Black Men’s Forum.

GZA goes to MIT

A founding member of hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan was at MIT to do research for his new album.

T shutdown hurts area businesses

As the official holiday shopping period kicks into full gear, businesses in Somerville and Cambridge have lost a major artery every weekend — the Red Line.

With a new imam, a new outlook

William Suhaib Webb, who was raised a Christian, is the new spiritual leader of the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, the biggest mosque in New England.

Political Notebook

Cain says he will make major announcement today

Herman Cain sent mixed signals yesterday on whether he would abandon his beleaguered White House bid after a woman’s allegation of an extramarital affair.

John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

Kraft-Wynn casino deal could reshuffle the gaming market

The emergence of a likely partnership between New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Las Vegas gambling mogul Steve Wynn has shaken up the competition for a coveted casino license.

Mogul has golden touch, and deep pockets

Known as the savior of Las Vegas, developer Steve Wynn is preparing his vision for Massachusetts.

“If we’re able to function together to some degree, then we become like a Muslim ‘Cheers.’”

William Suhaib Webb,  imam of the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center

Metro

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‘Perfect Storm’ debris floated to Ireland

Richard Figueiredo lost all of his lobster traps in the “perfect storm’’ of 1991. Remnants have appeared on local beaches over the years, but never very far from their origin — until now.

Business

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Big rise in online purchases made with smaller devices

From Thanksgiving eve to Cyber Monday and throughout this week, more shoppers than ever have been snatching up bargains with their smartphones and tablets.

Sports

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Valentine hits road to recruit Ortiz

Installed as manager of the Sox on Thursday afternoon, Bobby Valentine was on the go less than 24 hours later to visit David Ortiz and help support his charity golf event.

Arts

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Art Review

Chicken Little as a 9/11 metaphor

Artist Nancy Chunn’s “Chicken Little and the Culture of Fear” springs from her post-Sept. 11 examination of the aura of panic that has dominated the last decade.